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So You Want to Learn Watercolour Painting: A Comprehensive Guide to Colour

Darren Nelson

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Published in So You Want To Learn Watercolour Painting 3 Colour

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Watercolour painting is a beautiful and versatile medium that can be used to create a wide range of effects. One of the most important aspects of watercolour painting is colour. The colours you choose, how you mix them, and how you apply them to the paper will all affect the look and feel of your painting.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about watercolour painting colour. We will start with the basics of colour theory, then we will discuss how to mix and apply colours, and finally we will provide some tips for painting with colour in watercolour.

So You Want to Learn Watercolour Painting 3 Colour

So You Want to Learn Watercolour Painting - Book 3 - Colour

by Hilary Hughes Loftus

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1301 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	50 pages
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Colour Theory

Colour theory is the study of how colours interact with each other. It can be a complex subject, but there are a few basic principles that every watercolour painter should know.

The first principle of colour theory is that there are three primary colours: red, yellow, and blue. These colours cannot be created by mixing any other colours.

The second principle of colour theory is that there are three secondary colours: green, orange, and purple. These colours are created by mixing two primary colours.

The third principle of colour theory is that there are three tertiary colours: red-orange, yellow-green, and blue-violet. These colours are created by mixing a primary colour with a secondary colour.

In addition to the primary, secondary, and tertiary colours, there are also warm colours and cool colours. Warm colours are those that are associated with fire and sunlight, such as red, orange, and yellow. Cool colours are those that are associated with water and ice, such as blue, green, and purple.

The way that you use warm and cool colours in your painting can affect the mood and atmosphere of the piece. For example, a painting with a lot of warm colours will feel more cheerful and inviting, while a painting with a lot of cool colours will feel more calming and serene.

Mixing Colours

Once you understand the basics of colour theory, you can start to mix colours to create your own unique palette. There are a few different ways to mix colours in watercolour.

One way to mix colours is to use a colour wheel. A colour wheel is a diagram that shows all of the colours and their relationships to each other. To mix colours using a colour wheel, simply find the colours you want to mix on the wheel and then mix them together in equal proportions.

Another way to mix colours is to use a colour chart. A colour chart is a table that shows all of the possible colour combinations and their corresponding mixtures. To mix colours using a colour chart, simply find the colour combination you want to create and then follow the instructions on the chart.

Once you have mixed your colours, you can start to apply them to the paper. There are a few different ways to apply watercolour paint to the paper.

One way to apply watercolour paint is to use a wet brush. When you use a wet brush, the paint will flow easily and evenly over the paper. This is a good technique for creating large washes of colour.

Another way to apply watercolour paint is to use a dry brush. When you use a dry brush, the paint will be more concentrated and will create a more textured effect. This is a good technique for creating details and highlights.

You can also use a combination of wet and dry brush techniques to create different effects in your painting.

Tips for Painting with Colour in Watercolour

Here are a few tips for painting with colour in watercolour:

* Start with a light colour and gradually add more colour as needed. It is easier to add colour than to remove it. * Use a variety of brush strokes to create different effects. For example, you can use a large brush to create large washes of colour and a small brush to create details. * Experiment with different colour combinations. There are no rules when it comes to colour in watercolour. * Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Watercolour painting is a forgiving medium and you can always paint over your mistakes.

Colour is one of the most important aspects of watercolour painting. By understanding the basics of colour theory and how to mix and apply colours, you can create beautiful and expressive paintings. So go forth and experiment with colour!

So You Want to Learn Watercolour Painting - Book 3 - Colour

by Hilary Hughes Loftus

5 out of 5